Shaping the future

Environmental Policy

At Calvis we believe that it is practical actions rather than bold statements that make a difference. We apply this thinking to our environmental policies too.

We have therefore adopted some simple working practices and principles that help us make a difference to our environment on a daily basis. These include:

1. Waste management
   
   Our waste bins in our offices allow for separation between paper, compostible material (not implemented at all offices) and non-recyclable material. Individual desk bins have been removed to encourage people to think more about creating waste in the first place and how they subsequently dispose of waste.
   
   Condifential paper is shredded and then composted.
   
   We correspond with our clients almost exclusively by e-mail. All of our finance processes, both for accounts payable and accounts receivable, have migrated to "paper-free" arrangements or electronic delivery.
   
   
2. Travel
   
   Travel is discouraged as far as possible. Our standard terms and conditions include a clause that requires us (with client permission) to use electronic forms of collaboration (e-mail, telephone, video conferencing and web-conferencing) in preference to face-to-face meetings where it is sensible to do so.
   
   When travel is required, we require it to be by public transport unless there is an overwhelming reason why not. This is enforced by our expense reimbursement policy requiring expenses like taxi fares to be explicitly justified and approved by management before being reimbursed.
   
   Trains are used for long distance national travel where practical and flying is typically only for international travel.
   
   Staff are encouraged to work from home on a regular basis. This dramatically reduces the need for communting to work and the use of cars.
   
   
3. Power
   
   We have recently consolidated our computer room requirements using virtual technologies and have halved the power consumption.
   
   None of our offices have permanent air-conditioning. Natural ventilation, coupled with the use of power-free materials-based natural temperature control (head office only), provide a comfortable working environment for our staff with little impact on the environment.